Hades is the Greek word for the grave or the pit, and it describes the place of burial. Every human that has died, with the exception of Jesus Christ, remains in his grave, whether it is in the earth or in the sea. The dead await the resurrection in the sleep of death. In most New Testament passages where the English word hell appears, the original Greek word was hades, which does not refer to fire at all. The rich man went to the same kind of place Jesus did when He died, and the Father did not leave Him in hades.

Playlist:

playlist Go to the Hades (topic) playlist

Filter by Categories

Death Is Not the End (Part Seven)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The biblical usage of the Greek word Hades actually means the grave or the pit, describing the place of burial. Every human that has died, with the exception of Jesus Christ, remains in his grave, whether it is in the earth or in the sea. All the dead await the resurrection in the sleep of death rather than going to heaven or hell or some sort of purgatory.

Is There a Hell?

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

In most passages in the New Testament where the English word hell appears in translations the original Greek word was hades which does not refer to fire at all but has an altogether different meaning. The word hell is unfortunately used as the rendering of three distinct words with different meanings and it represents the hades of the New Testament. This is now an entirely misleading rendering especially in the New Testament passages. The English revisers therefore substituted the original Greek word hades for hell in the New Testament. In the American revision the word hell is entirely discarded in this connection. The sea gave up the dead which were in it and death and hades delivered up the dead which were in them and they were judged every man according to their works. Death and hades were cast into the lake of fire.

Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Part One)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Hades is the Greek word for grave. The King James Version generically translates hades into hell as it also does the Greek words tartarus and gehenna. The rich man dies and is buried in hades. The rich man went to the same kind of place Jesus did when He died. The Father did not leave Jesus in hades.

Disproving Hell

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Most of Protestant and Catholic theology is immersed in pagan concepts of hell, reinforced by Dante's Inferno. Here is what the Bible says, without tradition.

The Four Horsemen (Part Five): The Pale Horse

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Death rides a ghastly pale horse and is accompanied by Hades. The Four Horsemen picture God's judgment due to man's rejection of His way of life.

Heaven Must Wait

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Going to heaven is not scriptural. The soul is not immortal; it is equivalent to life. Mankind does not have a soul; he is a soul, subject to death.

Did the Thief on the Cross Go to Heaven with Jesus Christ (Luke 23:43)?

Bible Questions & Answers

Jesus said He would be in the grave 3 days and 3 nights after His crucifixion. Given that, could the thief have been with Christ in Paradise that very day?

Eternal Torment?

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Bible does not teach that hell is a place of eternal torment. Instead, God will eradicate all sin and wickedness, not punish the wicked forever.

Lazarus and the Rich Man

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man is often held up as proof of the torments of an ever-burning hell. However, the rest of Scripture gives a clearer picture.

What Happened at En Dor?

Article by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Saul's visit to the witch at En Dor has sparked several misconceptions, yet Scripture is consistent in its stance against witchcraft and divination.

God's Wrath and Hell

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Oblivion, not eternal torment in hell fire, is the merciful end for the wicked. God is both good and severe, but His mercy endures forever.

Basic Doctrines: The Third Resurrection

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Most of Christianity ignores the third resurrection, but it shows God's ultimate justice and how He will deal with incorrigibly evil people in godly love.

Simplifying Life (Part Two)

Sermon by David F. Maas

We are obligated to conserve and redeem time by prioritizing daily communion with the Father and Jesus Christ, dedicating time to spiritual practices.

Behold Your King!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Jesus' sinless and faithful life qualifies Him as King of Kings, in contrast to the kings of Israel who seriously fell short God's requirements.

1 Peter 3:19

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The idea of purgatory, Hades, or Hell has a long history, predating Christianity by centuries. Roman Catholicism adopted the whole framework into its theology.

Death of a Lamb

Article by Staff

Since the church no longer keeps the Passover with the slaughter of a lamb, we miss important and poignant details that could enhance our observance.

"I Will Build My Church"

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Although Peter was given responsibilities of leadership, as connoted from the rock imagery or symbolism, he was not granted the post of 'vicar of Christ.'

A Truth About Revelation 2 and 3

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Most of God's church believes that the seven letters of Revelation 2-3 reveal seven church eras. However, the Bible indicates an end-time fulfillment.